Biofeedback methods and controls

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus for mediating a biofeedback session with a human subject in which measurements of electrophysiological quantities are used to control the presentation to the subject of a series of audiovisual sequences of varying levels of relative speed and audio composition. The sequences are real scenes designed to induce a desired psychological state when viewed. As the subject succeeds in altering his physiological parameters, the speed and audio portion of the presented scene improve as an indication of success. By using the invention, the subject develops a conditioned response to the scene and is able to control his physiological parameters even when away from the apparatus by remembering the audiovisual sequences used during treatment.

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 08/194,260 entitled "Biofeedback Method and Controls" filed onFeb. 10, 1994 now U.S. Pat. No. 5,465,729 which is a divisional of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 07/850,673 entitled "Method and Apparatusfor Biofeedback" filed Mar. 13, 1992 now U.S. Pat. No. 5,393,871.

MICROFICHE APPENDICES

Microfiche Appendix A comprises 46 frames on microfiche 1 of 2.

Microfiche Appendix B comprises 56 frames on microfiche 2 of 2.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a method of mediating a biofeedback sessionwith a human subject in which measurements of certain of the subject'selectrophysiological parameters are used to control the presentation tothe subject of a series of prestored audiovisual sequences of varyinglevels of clarity or perspective to provide targets whose viewinginduces in the subject a desired psychological state. Specifically, thepresent invention relates to the control of the speed of relative motionof the visual portion of the sequence and the audio content of thesequence.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Biofeedback is a process in which electrodes are connected to a humansubject to monitor electrophysiological parameters such as heart rate,electroencephalographic signals and galvanic skin resistance. Thesesignals are converted to a visual or audio display that can been seenand/or heard by the subject, who attempts to alter the parameters usingthe display as a guide to his progress. If it is desirable to reduceblood pressure, for example, the display may consist of a bar graphindicating the magnitude of the pressure. If the subject is successfulin lowering his blood pressure, he will see the size of the bar diminishand will thus know he is making progress.

Traditional biofeedback methods employ such mechanisms as analog meters,computer-generated displays, targets shown in cross hairs, acoustictones and audio beat frequencies to indicate to the subject the valuesof the parameters being monitored.

Biofeedback is commonly performed by a biofeedback technician, whodirects the subject verbally to achieve a state of calm by coaching himto develop a mental image of a relaxing scene. Unfortunately, it can bedifficult to relax during such a session because the subject is forcedto concentrate on a computer display or audio tone to gauge hisprogress. That is, the result or display viewed by the subject is not initself calming, and may actually interfere with the desired objective.

Biofeedback can be used to treat migraine and tension headaches, paindisorders such as temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ) andmyofascial syndromes, musculoskeletal tension, hypertension, anxiety andpanic disorders, asthma, dyspepsia, and other conditions that can becontrolled by reducing muscular tension, inducing a state of calm orstabilizing autonomic function. Biofeedback can be used both fortreatment and prevention of such syndromes.

Biofeedback devices and methods comprising visual displays are known inthe prior art. Ross U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,837,331 and 3,967,616 teach use ofa "transducing means" for exhibiting sensory signal output to the humansubject, which may include a matrix of numbered lamps, slides projectedon a screen, or an audible chime. Hidalgo-Briceno U.S. Pat. No.3,855,998 discloses an entertainment device that monitorselectrophysiological parameters of a human subject and presents"audiovisual stimulation" comprising passages of music, flashing lightsor projected images intended to place the subject in a desiredpsychological state. The Hidalgo-Briceno invention, while it receiveselectrical signals from the subject, is not a biofeedback device becausethe subject is not guided by stimuli to modify his own physiologicalparameters, providing no feedback within the system. Cornellier et al.U.S. Pat. No. 4,683,891 teaches use of a visual display to indicate thevalues of a subject's physiological parameters at the point where stressis induced during performance of a goal-oriented task.

A number of prior art biofeedback devices employ purely audio feedbackto the subject. Silva et al. U.S. Pat. No. 3,875,930 teaches using afixed audio signal that decays to silence as an indication that thedesired brain wave waveform has been achieved. Spector U.S. Pat. No.4,776,323 teaches playing sounds through headphones to induce relaxationin a subject for the purpose of creating a calm state that can then beinterrupted by high amplitude noises to cause stress. Knispel et al.U.S. Pat. No. 4,883,067 teaches a method of transforming brain waveactivity into musical sound, which is fed back to the subject viaheadphones.

Numerous prior art devices combine audio and visual feedback. Glynn etal. U.S. Pat. No. 3,942,516 teaches simultaneous monitoring of aplurality of electrophysiological parameters to produce a singleaudiovisual output for feedback. Fehmi et al. U.S. Pat. No. 3,978,847teaches using audio tones and a light that increases in amplitude andstroboscopic frequency as the frequency of the subject's brain wavesincreases. Clegg et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,823,808 teaches a method fortreating eating disorders by measuring parameters of thegastrointestinal tract and providing indications of gastric activity byvisual and audio means, such as by amplifying stomach noises. Ohsuga etal. U.S. Pat. No. 4,896,675 teaches providing graphs of physiologicalparameters and simultaneously generating a sound pattern to be used bythe subject to control his rate of respiration. Ayers U.S. Pat. Nos.4,919,143 and 5,024,235 teach a sound and light box in addition to graphwaveforms as output from a biofeedback system. Hardt U.S. Pat. No.4,928,704 teaches combining tone feedback with display of digital datato the subject. Hillsman U.S. Pat. No. 4,984,158 teaches auditoryprompts and use of visual graphs for instructing subjects to use ametered dose inhalation system. Carter et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,036,858teaches use of light goggles and headphones to convey beat signals to asubject indicative of how much his brain wave frequency differs from adesired frequency. Gavish U.S. Pat. No. 5,076,281 teaches usingsynthesized sound patterns and optical effects indicative of parametersof biorhythmic activity.

Freeman U.S. Pat. No. 3,916,876 teaches measurement of muscle tension intwo selected muscles while the subject watches electrical metersdisplaying the tension measurements and other quantities derived fromthem. There is no audio or visual feedback other than meter readings.

Brady U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,056,805 and 4,140,997 disclose a video displaycomprising a matrix of colored lights that is controlled in response tobrain waves. Brady's invention, however, does not comprise a biofeedbacksystem. Brady's invention is directed to conveying a visual indicationof a subject's response to sound, particularly music. Shiga U.S. Pat.No. 4,354,505 teaches measurement of the length of time a subject hasremained in a relaxed state by displaying numerals indicative of thislength. Ochs U.S. Pat. No. 4,461,301 teaches display of numericalindications dependent on the values of monitored electrophysiologicalparameters. Leuner et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,665,926 teaches a system formeasuring a person's relaxation state, but in which displayedinformation is not fed back to the subject but is instead monitored by atechnician.

It is a drawback of prior art biofeedback devices and methods that thefeedback provided to the subject is merely a display of values ofphysiological parameters or an indication of how successful the subjecthas been in achieving his goal. They do not provide a target, desirablein itself, to assist in the attainment of success. In fact, the priorart devices utilize feedback means that can actually interfere with thedesired objective by forcing the subject to concentrate on a wavetracing, flashing light or blip on an oscilloscope screen in order togauge his progress. In prior art methods, the subject must generally becoaxed by an assistant into imagining a relaxing scene or locale inorder to alter his electrophysiological responses.

The objects of the present invention are to improve the efficacy ofbiofeedback by eliminating dependence on stress-inducing visual or audiotargets on which the subject must concentrate; to determine an effectiveweighted combination of physiological potentials for a given subjectthat can be used in conditioning biofeedback response; to monitor andrecord a subject's progress through one or more biofeedback treatmentsby storing and reporting data concerning the subject's responses on adigital computer so that the combination of physiological potentialsmonitored can be altered to maximize the effectiveness of the treatment;to provide a means by which a subject's success in controlling hisphysiological potentials causes presentation of a graded sequence ofpleasant scenes of successively greater video and audio clarity,specifically by controlling the relative speed of motion of the videoportion and controlling the content of the audio portion; to train thesubject through biofeedback to induce self-relaxation subsequent to atraining session without having to rely on a machine for audiovisualresponse; and to develop a conditioned response on the part of a subjectso that he can induce in himself a desired psychoneurological state byrecalling to memory one or more prestored audiovisual scenes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an apparatus for conditioning a desiredpsychological response in a subject including a device for monitoring atleast one of the subject's electrophysiological parameters indicative ofhis psychological response and a mechanism for presenting to the subjecta sequence of versions of an audiovisual scene. These versions exhibitvarying speeds of relative motion of the visual portion and varyingdegrees of audio components of the audio portion, wherein the number ofaudio components and the speed of relative motion of the version areincreased as the monitored parameters indicate that the subject'spsychological response has become more desirable.

Accordingly, I have invented a biofeedback system in which the feedbackprovided to the subject is itself calculated to induce the desiredstate, eliminating the need for the subject to imagine a nonexistentscene. The apparatus may include a high quality display device,preferably a high resolution television screen and high fidelity audiosystem; a playback device capable of playing back realistic prestoredaudio-video sequences quickly; and a digital computer to monitorbioelectric signals and control the display device and the playbackdevice including the speed of playback which may be utilized to controlthe speed of relative motion of the displayed scene. The apparatus isused in conjunction with a conventional set of biofeedback electrodesand associated amplifiers and analog-to-digital converters.

The apparatus may monitor and record such electrophysiologicalparameters as, among others, (1) electromyographic (EMG) signals; (2)galvanic skin resistance (GSR); (3) electroencephalographic (EEG)signals; (4) skin temperature; (5) blood pressure (BP); and (6) heartrate (HR) or pulse. Signals indicative of these parameters are monitoredby a computer capable of displaying prestored audiovisual scenes atvarying levels 6f visual and acoustic clarity, specifically controllingthe speed of relative motion of the scene and the number of audiocomponents forming the audio portion. For example, at the lowest or mostundesirable physiological state, the speed of relative motion of thescene may be zero (i.e., the action within the scene is frozen). At thisbeginning state, the audio portion may be nonexistent or minimal such asa single instrument playing only a part of a complete orchestral score.The scenes themselves are of pleasurable images designed to inducerelaxation, such as views of beaches with rolling surf, walk-throughlush flower gardens, a waterfall and the like. As the subject graduallyattains the desired physiological state, the complete image becomesprogressively enhanced. The "reward" to the subject for approaching thedesired state is a successively improved image, including more naturaland realistic movement of objects within the scene and more completeaudio portion. At the desired physiological state, the speed of relativemotion of the scene is the natural or live-action speed of the scene andthe audio portion is the most complete. The complete audio portion couldbe a full orchestral musical score in stereo or all of the naturalsounds associated with the scene such as the sounds of waves, the wind,birds, etc. or other audio associated with the scene. In this way, thesubject is able to perform biofeedback without the distraction of priorart feedback indicators, which are not themselves relaxation inducing.Subsequent to the treatment, the subject is able to induce a relaxedstate in himself by recalling the scenes used during treatment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of an apparatus according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 shows a layout of clusters of audiovisual scenes on a videodiscof the type which may be used in the present invention; and

FIG. 3 shows an internal arrangement of a single cluster of audiovisualscenes on the videodisc of FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of the apparatus according to the presentinvention including a biofeedback system 10. Electrodes 15 lead fromhuman subject 11 into the input terminals of preamplifier and converter20. Preamplifier and converter 20 contains preamplifiers and amplifiersand analog-to-digital converters to transform analog signals intodigital outputs indicative of the magnitude of said analog signals.Preamplifier and converter devices of this type are well-known in theart. Examples of such devices are the Autogenics A-8000, the J&J I-330Modular System, and the SRS Orion 8600 and PRO Series Model 421. Thedigital output of preamplifier and converter 20 is connected to an inputport of digital computer 30. In one embodiment, digital computer 30 iscompatible with an International Business Machines personal computerrunning the DOS operating system and preferably containing an Intel386SX or higher microprocessor. A fast microprocessor is required, forexample, to process EEG signals, which exhibit a high information rate.The digital computer 30 may include a hard disk (not shown) for datastorage, a keyboard 40 for entering commands, a printer 45, preferably alaser printer, for printing reports and a high resolution graphicmonitor 50 to display command menus and graphs of the subject's progressto the biofeedback technician. In a preferred embodiment, keyboard 40has at least ten function keys, F1 through F10. An asynchronous serialport of computer 30 is connected to video player 60, whereby the playercan be controlled by the computer 30. In one embodiment, video player 60is a laser videodisc player such as the Pioneer Model LD-V8000 and theconnection to computer 30 is made with a Pioneer serial cable P/N CC-13.The Model LD-V8000 is capable of holding a video image while access to adifferent portion of the videodisc is being established. This eliminatesblanking of the display device between selection, which is undesirablebecause it interrupts the concentration of the subject. Video player 60is capable of directly and quickly accessing video sequences on a videostorage medium of sufficient capacity to conduct a session of sufficientduration that no reloading is required during a biofeedback session,which would cause interruption of treatment.

The video output of video player 60 is connected to video display 70,which may be a large screen television monitor having a resolution of atleast 350 horizontal lines. The left and right stereophonic audiooutputs of video player 60, respectively, are connected to left speaker80 and right speaker 81. In an alternate embodiment, speakers 80 and 81are integrated into a set of headphones worn by subject 11. In a furtherembodiment, video display 70 is a television set incorporating built-inspeakers 80 and 81.

A manual describing the use of the above-described system in the bestmode known to the inventor is reproduced in Microfiche Appendix A. Themanual supplements and explains the source code listing reproduced inMicrofiche Appendix B.

FIG. 2 shows the schematic layout of a typical videodisc which may beused with the present invention. Videodisc 100 comprises eight clusters101-108 and a title sector 109. The playing time of each of the clusters101-107 is approximately 7.5 minutes. The playing time of cluster 108 isapproximately 2.5 minutes. The playing time of the title sector isapproximately 30 seconds. The playing time of the entire videodisc 100is approximately 1 hour.

Videodisc 100 is removably inserted in video player 60. The videodisccontains title information and eight ordered sequences, or clusters, ofinformation, each cluster comprising five segments containing relatedaudiovisual scenes. The objective is to provide a graded sequence ofscenes in which each is an improvement on the preceding scene in somerespect; that is, each scene is more real or more desirable than itspredecessor. Specifically, the speed of relative motion of each scenewill be increased from its predecessor until, ultimately, a natural orlive-action speed of relative motion is achieved. Additionally, theimproving scene will have an increasing number of audio components. Toprovide the varying speeds of relative motion on the videodisc 100, thefive scenes may be recorded separately at differing levels of speed ofrelative motion with each scene being played back in similar fashion.However, preferably, a scene may be recorded once at one speed ofrelative motion wherein the playback speed of the scene is controlled bythe computer 30 to provide the different levels of speed of relativemotion. This would allow for a continuous flow in the changing of thespeed of relative motion (i.e., the playback speed) of the scene.

The adjustment of the audio portion may be easily provided by recordingthe complete audio portion on a plurality of separate tracks. Each trackwould include one audio component such as, for example, the sounds ofbirds associated with the visual scene or a single musical instrument.Additionally, the transition from monotonic to stereophonic sound mayform one of the audio components (i.e., one of the improvements in theaudio portion would be the addition of stereophonic sound). Theobjective of the sequences is to provide the subject with an audiovisualobjective that becomes better as the subject improves his physiologicalparameters.

A discrete level of reality is known as a Laser Video Reality Index(LVRI). The five levels are assigned the labels LVRI 1 through LVRI 5.LVRI 1 represents the highest level of reality; LVRI 5 represents thelowest level of reality. The subject is rewarded for favorablebiofeedback response by being shown an audiovisual scene at a higherreality level (lower LVRI level). The purpose of using differing realitylevels is to provide the subject with successive related image targetsand to indicate to the subject by nondistracting means that biofeedbackis succeeding. Because the displayed scene of the degraded versions isof the same scene, the subject recognizes the target scene andanticipates improvement in the display, further inspiring his effort atbiofeedback.

Negative feedback can be provided by decreasing the level of reality ifthe subject's physiological parameters move away from the desireddirection. The present invention has divided reality levels intodiscrete steps so that the subject is not presented with a constantlyfluctuating image on which attention or enjoyment would be difficult.For example, if the size of a viewed object were to change continuallybased on the subject's galvanic skin resistance, the subject would haveno fixed target on which to gaze and would be distracted or disturbed byits incessant movement. By dividing the range of responses into discretequanta, the subject is better able to concentrate on the scenes beingpresented. However, the present invention provides for continuous flowbetween the distinct levels to prevent sharp discontinuities in displaywhich may adversely affect the biofeedback session.

During the use of the present invention, the human subject sees andhears only material designed to induce and lead the subject to thedesired state. No objective indications of progress, such as graphs,meters, flashing lights, moving dots or other means used in prior artdevices and which (1) cause distraction; and (2) do not provide thesubject with a desirable mental image for later recall are employedhere.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic layout of a possible audiovisual scene cluster.Cluster 110 comprises five LVRI segments 111-115 in order of realityindex from highest (LVRI 1) to lowest (LVRI 5). The playing time of eachLVRI segment is approximately 1.5 minutes. If the subject has notprogressed during that time, the segment is automatically replayed or"looped."

The LVRI segments may be created by capturing real scenes on videotapeusing high quality commercial television equipment. Varying levels ofspeed of relative motion within a scene can be achieved after thesegments are recorded on videotape. The acoustic components of the audioportion can be placed on individual tracks in an editing studio. Whenall segments are of appropriate length and LVRI level, a mastervideotape is made from which a videodisc can be produced by knownmethods.

Alternative audio-video storage and playback medium may be utilized. Forexample, a videotape could be utilized with the computer 30 controllingthe playback speed to vary the speed of relative motion within eachversion of the audiovisual scene. The computer 30 will also control thenumber of audio components which is appropriate for the specificdisplayed version.

The scenes to be recorded on the recording medium are chosen so that theaudiovisual segments themselves both induce the desired psychologicalstate in the subject and to provide memorable audiovisual images thatthe subject may bring to mind subsequent to the biofeedback session fortherapeutic effect.

Audiovisual changes must be performed in a way that allows the subjectto focus his attention on a single scene to avoid distraction orconfusion of physiological response. This can be achieved by utilizingone single audiovisual scenario and successively improving its quality.At all times, however, the goal scene is maintained in view. The imagesrepresenting the scene are presented to the subject in order ofincreasing speed of relative motion and number of acoustical componentsto serve as a reward for achieving desired response levels. The mostdesirable response level will preferably have a natural or live-actionspeed of relative motion and the most complete audio portion providingthe most realistic version displayed.

An example of the use of video enhancement is in behavior modification.By gradually exposing a phobic subject to a series of stressfulscenarios, the subject can be rewarded via audiovisual feedback forgenerating a desired physiological response, the reward consisting of achange in the audiovisual template. For example, an acrophobicindividual (one who fears heights) can be acclimatized to differingelevations under controlled conditions without actual risk by beingshown a sequence of scenes taken at varying heights. The method is notrestricted to achieving relaxation. A rehabilitation patient who isbeing trained to use certain muscles can be rewarded for exerting stressrather than relaxing.

An agoraphobe (one who fears being out in public) can be treated bypresenting scenes commencing at home, gradually moving outdoors, a quietstreet, an intersection, and then a mall or busy city block. As thesubject relaxes, as monitored by the apparatus, the journey progresses.The subject becomes conditioned to associate relaxation with situationsthat formerly induced anxiety. Similar methods can be used to treatother phobias such as vertigo, reactive anxiety states or panic attacks.

Reduction of tension has been shown to reduce learning time for certainmotor skills as typing, stenography and repetitive manufacturingactivities. It also improves work efficiency and can assist athletes inpreparing for competitive sporting events. The present invention is alsouseful in these applications.

A number of distinct audiovisual sequences can be recorded on a singlevideodisc or videotape and are available for selection by thebiofeedback technician controlling the session.

The software used to control the apparatus of the present invention islisted in source code form in Microfiche Appendix B. It is written in aprogramming language known as the BOS Protocol Programming Languageimplemented under the Biomedical Operating System (BOS), which isavailable for license from Stuart Enterprises, 11330 Southwind Court NE,Bainbridge Island, Wash. 98110. BOS supports popular biofeedbackprocessors comprising electrodes, amplifiers and analog-to-digitalconverters, making it possible to connect the present invention to manytypes of standard biofeedback equipment. BOS and its programminglanguage, in which the software of the present invention is written, aredescribed in full in the publication, BOS Biomedical Operating SystemUser's Manual, copyright 1990, published by Stuart Enterprises.

The invention can be used in the following manner. A physician evaluatesthe subject and determines the protocol to be used and the desiredphysiological objectives based on which a series of scenes is chosen forpresentation to the subject.

The subject does not see or interact with the system screen. The subjectis presented only with audiovisual imagery so as to keep his attentionfocused on the treatment. The subject may even be placed in a roomremote from the computer and other equipment, with only a television setto observe. This separation is particularly beneficial for subjects whoexperience anxiety in interacting with a computer.

During a first session with a human subject, a biofeedback technicianexplains the techniques that will be employed and explains the protocoland objectives. The technician then performs an initial evaluation tocalibrate the subject's electrophysiological responses. In the initialevaluation, the subject is seated in a comfortable chair, withbiofeedback electrodes in place, and shown a series of different highquality audiovisual scene sequences, each lasting about 90 seconds.Electrophysiological parameter measurements are recorded by the computerand reported in graphic and tabular form to the technician, who mayselect a sequence for viewing during later treatment sessions. Thetechnician may also select one or more parameters whose values will beused to control changes in audiovisual levels in the chosen sequence.

For a treatment session, the technician places electrodes on the subjectand inserts in the videodisc player a disc containing the scene sequenceto be used during treatment. Of the several sequences that may bepresent on the disc, the particular one to be used can be chosen by thetechnician from a menu of choices presented on graphic monitor 50. Thetechnician controls the apparatus by viewing the monitor and enteringinformation through computer keyboard 40. During the session, themonitor displays graphically the values of the subject'selectrophysiological parameters. The technician interacts with computer30 through screens that appear on monitor 50. The screens, whose contentand order is controlled by software in computer 30, provide menu choicesthat are selected by pressing one of the function keys F1 through F10.The technician may also be asked to enter textual or numeric informationthrough keyboard 40.

The technician may choose the duration of the biofeedback session andthe particular set of parameters to be recorded during the session. Theparameters being recorded are not necessarily all used to controlchanges in LVRI level. The technician may choose, for each recordedparameter, whether it is to participate in LVRI changes and, if so, whatlinear weight will be given to the parameter. That is, the function usedto control LVRI changes is a linear combination (weighted average) ofvalues of selected recorded parameters. The parameters that make up thisfunction are called "linking parameters." For each linking parameter,the technician has the ability to scale the parameter by specifying therange of values, from "best" to "worst," that the parameter may assume.Values near "best" are associated with the most clear LVRI image (LVRI1); those near "worst" cause the most distant or fuzziest LVRI image tobe displayed (LVRI 5).

By adjusting the scaling of linked parameters in subsequent sessions,the technician may vary the degree of progress the subject must make inbiofeedback before being rewarded with a clearer LVRI image. Inbeginning sessions, it may be desirable to reward the subject for onlyhaving made a small amount of progress in altering a parameter. As thesubject becomes more skilled, the requirements can be adjusted so thatmore relaxation, for example, can be achieved for the same level ofreward. Scaling information is presented on a graphical report so thetechnician can review the subject's attainment during the session anddecide on the appropriate scaling for the next session.

When the session is complete (i.e., the preset session time haselapsed), the system produces printed reports and graphs for analysis bythe technician and physician. These include the values of recordedparameters and LVRI level changes against time, in the form both oftables and plotted graphs. The technician also has the capability ofannotating the reports from the keyboard. The annotations and asignature line in accordance with accepted medical recordkeepingpractice appear on the printed reports, which are produced on laserprinter 45.

The result of the session is that the subject has been made to relax andto associate the relaxation with the particular audiovisual sequencethat was displayed. Furthermore, the sequence itself, as a result of theinitial evaluation, is known to assist the subject in attaining thedesired relaxation. The technician does not need to coach the subject toconjure up an imagined scene. The subject will be able, after one ormore sessions, to induce himself into a state of relaxation outside of amoderated biofeedback session by remembering the particular audiovisualsequence. By using the present invention, the subject develops aconditioned biofeedback response.

The technician controls the system by interacting with it through asmall number of screen displays, which are primarily menu-driven. Thecomplete computer source code implementing these functions is given inMicrofiche Appendix B.

The Initial Screen simply displays title information stored on videodisc100 in title sector 109. The Main Menu Screen permits the choice ofseven functions, each of which is invoked by depressing one of theprogrammed function keys F1 through F6 and F10 on computer keyboard 40.The Main Menu Screen functions are:

Main-F1. Demographics. This option invokes another screen permitting thetechnician to record biographical data, including the subject's name andother identifying information, for later report generation.

Main-F2. Initial Evaluation. This causes the computer to display to thetechnician the values of actual signals being received by thebiofeedback electrodes 15 so the electrodes can be adjusted. It alsopresents the subject with a sequence of audiovisual displays so thetechnician can determine which scene on the videodisc produces the mostfavorable response from the subject.

Main-F3. Screen Selection. This permits a choice of the scene sequenceto be used for the present biofeedback session, among those available onthe videodisc that is currently mounted.

Main-F4. Control Screen. This screen controls the actual biofeedbacksession and itself provides eight programmed functions, discussed below.

Main-F5. Reports Screen. This invokes a screen to control reportgeneration, including selection of report format, as discussed below.

Main-F6. Utilities Screen. This invokes the Disk Operating System (DOS)housekeeping functions, such as copying, formatting, etc.

Main-F10. End. This terminates the session.

The following functions are available on the Control Screen, which isinvoked from the Main Menu by depressing the F4 key:

Control-F1. Session Time. Allows the technician to set the duration ofthe session.

Control-F2. Modalities. Allows selection of electrophysiologicalparameters to be recorded for this session.

Control-F3. LVRI Link. Establishes a relationship betweenelectrophysiological parameters and the reality index progression forthis session. The technician is able to choose which of the recordedparameters will actually be used to change LVRI levels and can assignrelative weights to their importance.

Control-F4. Scaling. Allows setting of baseline levels and ranges forelectrophysiological parameters.

Control-F5. Start/Stop. Begins and ends a biofeedback session andcontrols recording of parameters and output of reports.

Control-F6. Pause. Temporarily halts data recording to allowinterruptions, such as for adjustment of electrodes.

Control-F7. Progress. Allows toggling between the Control Screen and theProgress Screen. The Progress Screen displays to the technician agraphic representation of the recorded parameters versus time so theprogress of the subject can be monitored.

Control-F10. Main Menu. Returns to the Main Menu. This option cannot beselected until a session has been halted with the F5 key.

The following functions are available on the Video Screen, which can beinvoked from the Main Menu by depressing the F6 (Utilities) key.

Video-F1. Help. Provides documentation of options.

Video-F2. Status. Indicates the position of the disc and slide door.

Video-F3. Open Slide Door. Opens the disc drawer on video player 60 sovideodisc 100 may be inserted or removed therefrom.

Video-F4. Close Slide Door. Closes the disc drawer so that the disc canbe read and a session can begin.

Video-F10. Return to Main Menu.

The following functions are available on the Reports Screen, which canbe invoked from the Main Menu by depressing the F5 (Reports) key.

Report-F1. Graphs. Generates a line graph versus time for each modalityselected in the Control Screen, which corresponds to theelectrophysiological parameters being monitored for this subject.

Report-F2. Tables. Generates a table of numerical values of eachmodality at discrete time steps throughout the session.

Report-F3. Progress Note. Invokes a word processor so the technician canintroduce notes into the patient's medical record.

Report-F4. All Reports. Causes the system to produce all possible outputreports for this session.

Report-F10. Return to Main Menu.

It will be evident to those skilled in the art that the invention is notlimited to the details of the foregoing illustrative embodiment and thatthe present invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from the spirit or essential attributes thereof. The presentembodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects asillustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention beingindicated by the appended claims and rather than by the foregoingdescription and all changes which come within the meaning and range ofthe equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embracedtherein.

I claim:
 1. A method of conditioning a desired psychological response ina subject comprising the steps of:a) monitoring at least one of thesubject's electrophysiological parameters indicative of hispsychological response; and b) presenting to the subject a sequence ofversions of an audiovisual scene, said versions exhibiting varyingspeeds of relative motion wherein said speed of relative motion isvaried as said monitored parameters indicate that the subject'spsychological response has become more desirable.
 2. The method of claim1 wherein said version exhibits varying degrees of audio componentswherein the number of audio components is varied as said monitoredparameters indicate that the subject's psychological response has becomemore desirable.
 3. The method of claim 2 wherein each said audiocomponent comprises an instrument playing a musical score.
 4. The methodof claim 1 further comprising the step of:c) repeating steps a) and b)until said monitored parameters indicate that the subject has becomeconditioned to exhibit the desired response to said audiovisual scene,wherein a final one of said versions has a speed of relative motionequivalent to a natural speed of said audiovisual scene.
 5. The methodof claim 1 wherein at step b), said increase is in response to aweighted combination of said parameters and said speed of relativemotion is decreased as said weighted combination indicates that thesubject's psychological response has become less desirable and increasedas said weighted combination indicates a more desirable psychologicalresponse.
 6. A method of conditioning a desired psychological responsein a subject comprising the steps of:a) monitoring at least one of thesubject's electrophysiological parameters indicative of hispsychological response; and b) presenting to the subject a sequence ofversions of an audiovisual scene, said versions exhibiting varyingdegrees of audio components wherein the number of said audio componentsincreases as said monitored parameters indicate that the subject'spsychological response has become more desirable.